Chief Propulsion Engineer

Applied Technology Solutions; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Technology Solutions, Inc. in Huntsville, AL seeks a Chief Propulsion Engineer to act as the technical authority for propulsion across programs.

The role defines propulsion strategy, leads architecture trades, oversees design and verification, and mentors a growing propulsion organization, partnering with engineering, manufacturing, and executive leadership to deliver affordable, high‑performance propulsion solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred; Ph.D. highly desirable.
• 15+ years propulsion engineering experience.
• Experience developing missile propulsion systems.
• Expertise in solid rocket motors, ramjets, ducted rockets, air‑breathing propulsion, or hypersonic propulsion.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of combustion, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, structural mechanics, and propellant chemistry.
• Experience with propulsion qualification testing and flight testing.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the company's technical authority for propulsion systems.
• Lead propulsion architecture selection and technology roadmaps.
• Develop propulsion concepts (solid rocket motor, ramjet, ducted rocket, or integrated rocket‑ramjet).
• Lead propulsion system performance analysis (internal ballistics, combustion, nozzle performance, thermal management).
• Establish propulsion requirements and verification plans.
• Lead SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR, and production readiness reviews.
• Interface with DoD customers and prime contractors; support proposals and customer presentations.
• Mentor propulsion engineers and establish engineering standards.

Skills

Propulsion engineering

Technical leadership

Proposal support

System-level thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Ph.D. highly desirable

Tools

CFD

FEA

MBSE

Job description

Chief Propulsion Engineer

The Chief Propulsion Engineer serves as the company’s technical authority for all propulsion systems across programs. This individual defines propulsion strategy, leads propulsion architecture trades, oversees design and development activities, and mentors a growing propulsion engineering organization. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with demonstrated experience transitioning propulsion technologies from concept through flight qualification and production. This role partners closely with Systems Engineering, Airframe, Guidance & Control, Manufacturing, Program Management, Business Development, and executive leadership to develop affordable, producible, high‑performance propulsion solutions.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the company's technical authority for propulsion systems.
• Lead propulsion architecture selection and technology roadmaps.
• Develop solid rocket motor, ramjet, ducted rocket, or integrated rocket‑ramjet propulsion concepts.
• Lead propulsion system performance analysis including internal ballistics, combustion, nozzle performance, thermal management, structural loads, and propellant performance.
• Establish propulsion requirements and verification plans.
• Lead SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR, and production readiness reviews.
• Support system‑level trade studies involving range, speed, maneuverability, cost, manufacturability, and producibility.
• Oversee propulsion supplier technical management and source selection.
• Interface with DoD customers, AFRL, DARPA, Navy, Air Force, Army, and prime contractors.
• Provide technical leadership during proposal development and customer presentations.
• Mentor propulsion engineers and establish engineering standards.
• Support failure investigations and corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with military standards and qualification requirements.
• Work with manufacturing to transition designs into production.

Required Qualifications (Education, Certifications, Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred; Ph.D. highly desirable.
• 15+ years of propulsion engineering experience.
• Experience developing missile propulsion systems.
• Expertise in solid rocket motors, ramjets, ducted rockets, air‑breathing propulsion, or hypersonic propulsion.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of combustion, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, structural mechanics, and propellant chemistry.
• Experience with propulsion qualification testing and flight testing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Integrated rocket‑ramjet experience.
• Hypersonic weapon development.
• Insensitive munitions requirements.
• Energetic materials expertise.
• CFD and FEA experience.
• MBSE familiarity.
• DoD acquisition program experience.
• Technical publications or patents.

Direct technical experience in the following areas:

• Rocket motor sizing and optimization.
• Grain design.
• Propellant formulation.
• Combustion instability.
• Ignition systems.
• Nozzle design.
• Thrust vector control.
• Thermal protection systems.
• High‑temperature materials.
• Mission performance analysis.

Additional Information:

• This position will require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required depending on program needs.
• Occasional domestic travel may be required to support testing, supplier visits, and customer meetings.

Note:

ATS is a drug‑free workplace. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited. All candidates who receive conditional offers of employment are subject to drug testing. In addition, ATS is an E-Verify employer.

Export Control Regulations:

Applicants for employment at ATS must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Applied Technology Solutions, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation during the hiring process are encouraged to contact us.